The Patriots cleared some important checkpoints over the last few weeks.
Mac Jones and Bill O’Brien laid the foundation for what they hope will be a resurgent season on offense. Rookies, including a pair of tantalizing defensive prospects, got their feet wet in the NFL. New positional coaches got a feel for what it’s like to work under Bill Belichick. The list goes on and on.
You never want to glean too much from voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp, as players aren’t wearing pads and live contact is prohibited. Plus, New England exercises caution with players dealing with minor injuries, instead ensuring they’re ready to go for training camp.